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Music Technology

Why Music Technology?

The course focuses on working with music as an engineer and producer. It gives you the opportunity to develop your listening skills and provides you with a sound understanding of the important development of music technology since 1910.

You will be able to experience recording with different equipment and in different contexts, all of which are facilitated within our own high-spec studio. The course also gives you the opportunity to work with professional musicians which in turn may give you connections to pursue when you have finished your studies.

 

What do I need to know?

Exam board: We study Edexcel Music Technology.

Essential Entry Requirements: It is desirable to have Level 5 or above in GCSE Music and a keen interest in Music Technology.

What is the work like?

As an example of the kind of work that you will cover during the A-Level course, please find to the right the pre-A-Level material that we asked Year 11 to complete before starting their Music Technology course with us in September.

Music Technology Phase 1Music Technology Phase 2Music Technology Phase 3

Who do I contact if I have any questions?

Mr Robins will be happy to answer any questions that you might have. You are welcome to email him on paul.robins@twynhamschool.com.

To ask a Music Technology student more about the course, please email student@twynhamsixthform.com and they will be happy to help you.

 

Curriculum Information

Music Technology Curriculum

Additional Costs

We provide:  In class access to:-

AS and A Level Study Guide (ISBN 9782785586036)

If you want copies to work at home these will need to be purchased.


Other costs:  To be met by students

Compulsory: Edexcel Music Technology Revision Guide (ISBN: 9781785586347) £10

Compulsory: AKG K52 Studio Headphones £26

Compulsory: Memory Stick/Portable Hard Drive (minimum 16GB) £10

We will be working with professional musicians during the two years of study with a voluntary contribution of approximately £20 per student

Optional: AS and A Level Music Technology Guide, New Specification (ISBN 9781979270540) £20

Assessment

Component 1: Recording (60 marks, 20% of the A Level qualification)

This unit develops production tools and techniques needed to capture, edit, process and mix an audio recording. Students will make one recording of a song chosen from a list provided by the exam board. This song will include a minimum of five compulsory instruments and two additional instruments. Students will be able to sequence keyboard tracks if they wish and the total time of the recording will last between 3 and 3 ½ minutes. This work will be completed using Logic X on an iMac and the majority of the work for this component will take place in our studio.

Component 2: Technology-based composition (60 marks, 20% of the A level qualification)

This unit requires students to create, edit, manipulate and structure sounds to produce a technology-based composition. They will be required to choose from three briefs set by the exam board and your piece will last approximately 3 minutes. Students will develop their sound synthesis skills and will learn to manipulate and create audio samples. This work will be completed using Logic X on an iMac.

Component 3: Listening and analysing (Written Exam – 1 hour 30 mins, 75 marks, 25% of the A level qualification)

This unit requires students to listen and analyse a series of unfamiliar recordings supplied by the exam board. Students will be asked questions relating to the recording and production techniques, the principles of sound and audio technology and the development of recording and production technology. This will be completed using individual CD players during the main exam period.

Component 4: Producing and Analysing (105 marks, 35% of the qualifcation)

This unit tests students’ understanding of editing, mixing and production techniques. Students will be provided with a set of audio and MIDI materials and will have to correct and combine these materials to form a completed mix. Students will also be required to write a short essay focusing on a specific area of the history of music technology. This will be completed using Logic X on the iMacs during the main exam period.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

  • Music Technology Club
  • Assisting recordings at KS3
  • School Musical
  • Opportunities to play with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
  • Twynham Scholarship Orchestra
  • UT Funk Jazz Band
  • ABRSM Grade 5 Theory
  • Music Tour (to Europe)
  • A Level Recital Evening
  • Priory Carol Festival
  • Bournemouth Music Festival
  • New Milton Music Festival